Publisher's Synopsis
In the volatile waters of the Persian Gulf, an American aircraft carrier explodes and sinks into the depths. As rescue operations scramble into action, a terrorist attack on a U.S. naval facility ignites the powder keg of U.S.-Iranian relations that has been building for decades. The next few hours will determine whether regional tension escalates into global catastrophe.
Drawing from his experience as a Navy veteran and his expertise in geopolitics, Dr. Mark James crafts a chillingly plausible scenario of modern warfare where nothing goes according to plan for either side. As Iran launches a desperate preemptive strike and America responds with overwhelming force, both nations discover that traditional military doctrine may be obsolete in an age of asymmetric warfare and emerging technologies. "Friendship Games" is more than just another military thriller-it's a stark warning about the potential consequences of decades of brinkmanship and failed diplomacy. James brings academic rigor to this pulse-pounding narrative, creating a story that reads like tomorrow's headlines. His intimate knowledge of naval operations and deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics creates a terrifyingly realistic portrait of how the next major conflict might unfold. Perfect for fans of Tom Clancy and Brad Thor, this geopolitical thriller offers a sobering look at the future of warfare while delivering heart-stopping action and strategic complexity. As the world teeters on the brink of catastrophe, readers will find themselves questioning everything they thought they knew about modern military conflict. About the Author:Dr. Mark James brings an extraordinary combination of military experience, academic expertise, and storytelling ability to his fiction. A U.S. Navy veteran who served during the final years of the Cold War, James witnessed firsthand the complex dynamics of international relations while deployed across the Pacific, from the Philippines to the Aleutian Islands. Following his military service, James leveraged the GI Bill to pursue his passion for understanding global politics and geography. His academic journey led him from a BS in Political Science at Towson University through graduate studies at the University of Alabama, culminating in a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Cincinnati. His research, published in prestigious journals including Antipode and Regional Studies, focuses on political, economic, and urban geography-expertise that informs the geopolitical complexities of his fiction. When not teaching as a professor of geography or writing his next thriller, James can often be found catching waves off the Delmarva coast. This blend of scholarly insight, military experience, and adventurous spirit gives his novels a unique authenticity that sets them apart in the thriller genre.
